7-Oxabicycloheptane substituted thio prostaglandin analogs and their use in the treatment of thrombolytic disease

ABSTRACT

7-Oxabicycloheptane substituted thio prostaglandin analogs are provided having the structural formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, lower alkyl or alkali metal, R 1  is lower alkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl, X is O, S or NH, A is --CH═CH-- or --(CH 2 ) 2 , p is 0 to 4, n is 1 to 4, n&#39; is 0 to 2, q is 1 to 4 and m is 0 to 8, and including all stereoisomers thereof. 
     The compounds are cardiovascular agents useful, for example, in the treatment of thrombolytic disease; and are antiinflammatory agents useful, for example, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to 7-oxabicycloheptane thio prostaglandin analogs which are cardiovascular agents useful, for example, in the treatment of thrombolytic disease. These compounds are also antiinflammatory agents and analgesic agents. These compounds have the structural formula ##STR2## and including all stereoisomers thereof, wherein p is 0 to 4, A is CH═CH or (CH₂)₂, m is 0 to 8, n is 1 to 4, n' is 0, 1 or 2, q is 1 to 4, R is H, lower alkyl or alkali metal, X is O, ##STR3## or NH, and R¹ may be lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl.

The term "lower alkyl" or "alkyl" as employed herein includes both straight and branched chain radicals of up to 12 carbons, preferably 1 to 8 carbons, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl, 4,4-dimethylpentyl, octyl, 2,2,4-trimethylpentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, the various branched chain isomers thereof, and the like as well as such groups including a halo-substituent, such as F, Br, Cl or I or CF₃, an alkoxy substitutent, a haloaryl substituent, a cycloalkyl substituent (that is, cycloalkylalkyl) or an alkylcycloalkyl substituent.

The term "cycloalkyl" includes saturated cyclic hydrocarbon groups containing 3 to 12 carbons, preferably 3 to 8 carbons, which include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl and cyclododecyl, any of which groups may be substituted with 1 or 2 halogens, 1 or 2 lower alkyl groups and/or lower alkoxy groups.

The term "aryl" or "Ar" as employed herein refers to monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic groups containing from 6 to 10 carbons in the ring portion, such as phenyl, naphthyl, substituted phenyl or substituted naphthyl wherein the substituent on either the phenyl or naphthyl may be lower alkyl, halogen (Cl, Br or F), or lower alkoxy.

The term "aralkyl", "aryl-alkyl" or "aryl-lower alkyl" as used herein refers to lower alkyl groups as discussed above having an aryl substituent, such as benzyl.

The terms "(CH₂)_(p) ", "(CH₂)_(m) ", "(CH₂)_(n) ", and "(CH₂)_(q) " include a straight or branched chain radical having from 1 to 8 carbons in the normal chain in the case of "(CH₂)_(m) ", and 1 to 4 carbons in the normal chain in the case of "(CH₂)_(n) ", "(CH₂)_(p) " and "(CH₂)_(q) " and may contain one or more lower alkyl substituents. Examples of (CH₂)_(m), (CH₂)_(n), (CH₂)_(p) and (CH₂)_(q) groups include CH₂, CH₂ CH₂, (CH₂)₃, ##STR4## and the like.

Preferred are those compounds of formula I wherein p is 1, A is (CH₂)₂ or CH═CH, m is 2 to 4, R is H, n is 0, 1 or 2, n' is 0, q is 1 to 2, X is O or S, R¹ is pentyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmethyl, phenyl, benzyl, 2-phenylethyl or 3-phenylpropyl.

The various compounds of the invention may be prepared as outlined below. ##STR5##

In the reaction sequence identified as "A", where in Formula I n is 1, the lower alkyl ester containing the hydroxymethyl group, that is, compound II (where A is --CH═CH--) or IIA (where A is --(CH₂)₂) (prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,054) is employed as the starting material. Thus, where A is --CH═CH--, compound II is subjected to a tosylation reaction, for example, by reacting II with tosyl chloride in pyridine to form tosylate III. To form the tosylate IIIA (where A is (CH₂)₂), compound II is reduced, for example with hydrogen over a palladium on carbon catalyst, to form hydroxymethyl compound IIA (where A is (CH₂)₂) and compound IIA is subjected to a tosylation reaction to form tosylate IIIA (where A is (CH₂)₂). Thereafter, tosylate III or IIIA is reacted with a thiol of the structure

    R.sup.1 --X--(CH.sub.2).sub.q --SH

employing a molar ratio of III or IIIA: thiol of within the range of from about 0.8:1 to about 1:4, in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran and in the presence of potassium t-butoxide to form the sulfide IV or IVA.

To form the sulfinyl and/or sulfonyl analogs (where n=1), sulfide derivative IV or IVA is subjected to oxidation, for example by reacting same with sodium periodate, in the presence of methanol and tetrahydrofuran, to form the sulfinyl derivative V or VA and the sulfonyl derivative VI or VIA. The above sulfinyl and sulfonyl derivatives may be separated by chromatography or other conventional separation procedures. As will be apparent, where in the compounds of the invention X is S, it will also be oxidized to sulfinyl and sulfonyl.

In the reaction sequence identified as "B", where in Formula I n is 2 to 4, the starting lower alkyl ester containing the hydroxymethyl group, that is, compound II, (prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,054) is used to form the aldehyde II' (where A is --CH═CH--) or IIA' (where A is --(CH₂)₂). Thus, to form aldehyde II' where A is --CH═CH--, compound II is subjected to a Collins oxidation, for example, by reacting II with chromium trioxide in pyridine. To form the aldehyde IIA' (where A is (CH₂)₂), compound II is reduced, for example with hydrogen over a palladium on carbon catalyst, to form hydroxymethyl compound IIA (where A is (CH₂)₂) and compound IIA is subjected to a Collins oxidation to form aldehyde IIA' (where A is (CH₂)₂).

The aldehyde II' or IIA' is used prepare aldehyde VIII (where n is 2-4) by carrying out a homologation sequence, such as a Wittig reaction with (C₆ H₅)₃ P═CHOMe followed by hydrolysis, (n-1) times. The aldehyde VIII (where n is 2-4) is thus carried on to compounds of this invention where n is 2-4, that is ##STR6## by reducing aldehyde VIII employing a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride or sodium cyanoborohydride in a solvent such as methanol to form the alcohol ester IX which is subjected to a tosylation reaction as described above to form tosylate X which in turn is subjected to thioether formation by reaction with

    R.sup.1 --X--(CH.sub.2).sub.q --SH

as described above to form sulfide IV' or IVA'.

The sulfinyl derivative (where n is 2 to 4) and sulfonyl derivatives (where n is 2 to 4) are prepared by subjecting sulfide IV' or IVA' to an oxidation reaction as described above to form a mixture of sulfinyl VI' and/or VIA', and sulfonyl VI' and/or VIA'.

The above sulfinyl and sulfonyl derivatives may be separated by chromatography or other conventional separation procedures.

Referring now to reaction sequence C, comounds of the invention wherein p is 0 and A is --CH═CH--, that is, compound XII may be prepared by subjecting compound B (prepared as described in Example 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,054) to a Wittig reaction, for example, as described in Example 6(c) of U.S. Pa. No. 4,143,054, by reacting B with a carboxyalkyltriphenyl phosphonium halide, such as carboxypentyltriphenyl phosphonium bromide to form the hydroxymethyl compound XI which may then be subjected to tosylation and thioether formation as described hereinbefore to form the ester XII which, in turn, may be oxidized to the esters XIII and XIV.

As seen in reaction sequence D, where it is desired to prepare compounds of the invention wherein p is 0 and A is (CH₂)₂, the hydroxymethyl compound XI is reduced by treatment with hydrogen in the presence of a palladium on carbon catalyst to form hydroxymethyl compound XIA which may then be tosylated and subjected to thioether formation to form ester XIIA which then may be oxidized to esters XIIIA and XIVA.

Compounds of the invention wherein p is 2, A is --CH═CH-- and n is 1 may be prepared as outlined in reaction sequence E by subjecting starting compound B to a wittig reaction, referred to as Wittig (1), by reacting B with an alkoxymethyltriphenyl phosphonium halide, such as (methoxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride, for example, as described in Example 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,054, to form compound C. The Wittig (1) procedure is repeated on compound C to form aldehyde compound XV. Aldehyde XV is then subjected to a Wittig (2) procedure wherein XV is reacted with a carboxyalkyltriphenylphosphonium halide, such as carboxypentyltriphenylphosphonium bromide, to form hydroxymethyl compound XVI. Compound XVI is esterified, for example, by reacting with diazomethane, to form ester XVII which is subjected to tosylation and thioether formation as described above to form ester XVIII which, in turn, may be oxidized to the acids XIX and XX.

Compounds of the invention wherein p is 2, A is --CH₂ --CH₂ -- and n is 1 may be prepared as outlined in reaction sequence F by reducing hydroxymethyl compound XVII to form compound XVIIA which is then tosylated and subjected to thioether formation to form ester XVIIIA which may then oxidized to form esters XIXA and XXA as described hereinbefore.

Referring to reaction sequence G, compounds of the invention wherein p is 3 or 4, A is --CH═CH-- and n is 1 may be prepared by subjecting aldehyde XV to the Wittig (1) procedure one time in the case where p is 3 and a second time in the case where p is 4, to form the aldehyde XXI. Aldehyde XXI is then subjected to the Wittig (2) procedure to form acid XXII which is esterified to form ester XXIII which is tosylated and subjected to thioether formation as described above to form ester XXIV. Ester XXIV may then be oxidized to form esters XXV and XXVI.

As seen in reaction sequence H, compounds of the invention wherein p is 3 or 4, A is CH₂ CH₂ and n is 1 may be prepared by reducing hydroxymethyl compound XXIII to form compound XXIIIA which is then tosylated and subjected to thioether formation to form ester XXIVA which, in turn, may be oxidized to form esters XXVA and XXVIA.

Compounds of the invention wherein p is 0, 2, 3 or 4 and n is 2, 3 or 4 may be prepared by substituting hydroxymethyl compound XI, XIA, XVII, XVIIA, XXIII or XXIIIA in place of hydroxymethyl compound II or IIA in reaction sequences A and B.

The esters IV, V, VI, IVA, VA, VIA, IV', V', VI', IVA', VA', VIA', XII, XIII, XIV, XIIA, XIIIA, XIVA, XVIII, XIX, XX, XVIIIA, XIXA, XXA, XXIV, XXV, XXVI, XXIVA, XXVA and XXVIA can be converted to the free acid, that is, to ##STR7## by treating the esters with an alkali metal hydroxide, such as lithium or sodium hydroxide to form the alkali metal salt Ia or Ib or Ia' or Ib', followed by neutralization with an acid, such as dilute hydrochloride acid or oxalic acid to form the acid.

Turning to reaction sequence "J", compounds of the invention wherein q is 1, that is ##STR8## may be prepared by tosylating any of compounds II, IIA, IX, XI, XIA, XVII, XVIIA, XXIII or XXIIIA as described hereinbefore to form the corresponding tosylate which is then reacted with potassium thioacetate (KSAc) to form the thioacetate XXVII. Thioacetate XXVII is then subjected to a methanolysis reaction by reacting XXVII with K₂ CO₃ or Mg(OCH₃)₂ in the presence of methanol to form thiol XXVIII which is alkylated by reaction with halide B ##STR9## in the presence of potassium t-butoxide (KOt-Bu) to form ester XXIX. Ester XXIX may be hydrolyzed to acid XXX or oxidized to sulfoxide XXXI and/or sulfone XXXII as described above which may be hydrolyzed to corresponding acids XXXIA and XXXIIA as described above.

The starting thiol A and halide B are generally known. For example, the thiol A may be conveniently prepared from the corresponding alcohols A' using the method

    HO(CH.sub.2).sub.q --X--R.sup.1                            A'

of Volante et al (Tetrahedron Letters, 1981, 22, 3119). Alkylating agents, B, are generally known and can be prepared from the corresponding alcohol HOR¹, formaldehyde (37% aqueous solution or paraformaldehyde) and HCl or HBr.

The compounds of this invention have four centers of asymmetry as indicated by the asterisks in formula I. However, it will be apparent that each of the formulae set out above which do not include asterisks still represent all of the possible stereoisomers thereof. All of the various stereoisomeric forms are within the scope of the invention.

The various stereoisomeric forms of the compounds of the invention, namely, cis-exo, cis-endo and all trans forms and stereoisomeric pairs may be prepared as shown in the working Examples which follow and by employing starting materials and following the procedures as outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,054. Examples of such stereoisomers are set out below. ##STR10##

The nucleus in each of the compounds of the invention is depicted as ##STR11## for matter of convenience; it will also be appreciated that the nucleus in the compounds of the invention may be depicted as ##STR12##

The compounds of this invention are cardiovascular agents useful as platelet aggregation inhibitors of arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation, e.g., for treatment of thrombolytic disease, such as coronary or cerebral thromboses, and as inhibitors or broncho-constriction associated with asthma. They are also selective thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonists and synthetase inhibitors, e.g., having a vasodilatory effect for treatment of myocardial ischemic disease, such as angina pectoris. The compounds of the invention are also arachidonic acid cyclooxygenase inhibitors and are useful as analgesic agents in the manner of aspirin and indomethacin. In addition, the compounds of the invention are useful as antiinflammatory agents in the manner of indomethacin and phenylbutazone as indicated by carragenin-induced edema in the rat [Ref: Winter et al, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 141:369, 1963] and they may be used to decrease joint swelling, tenderness, pain and stiffness in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. They can be administered orally or parenterally to various mammalian species known to be subject to such maladies, e.g., humans, cats, dogs, and the like in an effective amount within the dosage range of about 1 to 100 mg/kg, preferably about 1 to 50 mg/kg and especially about 2 to 25 mg/kg on a regimen in single or 2 to 4 divided daily doses.

The active substance can be utilized in a composition such as tablet, capsule, solution or suspension containing about 5 to about 500 mg per unit of dosage of a compound or mixture of compounds of formula I. They may be compounded in conventional matter with a physiologically acceptable vehicle or carrier, excipient, binder, preservative, stabilizer, flavor, etc. as called for by accepted pharmaceutical practice. Also as indicated in the discussion above, certain members additionally serve as intermediates for other members of the group.

The following Examples represent preferred embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, all temperatures are expressed in degrees Centigrade.

EXAMPLE 1 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]-methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester A. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

(a) A mixture of N-acetylpyridinium chloride was prepared by adding 9.6 ml (136 mmole) of acetyl chloride dropwise to 56 ml of pyridine. To this was added 5.0 g (27 mmole) of (exo)-3-(2-methoxyethenyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-methanol dissolved in 5 ml of pyridine. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours and poured into brine. The product was extracted into ether (3×200 ml); the ether extracts were washed with 5% hydrochloric acid (2×400 ml) and brine (1×200 ml) and dried over sodium sulfate. Concentration yielded a yellow oil which was purified by passage through a short column of silica gel (150 ml) with dichloromethane, yield 4.42 g of an oil.

(b) To a solution of 4.42 g (19.6 mmole) of the oil in 500 ml of tetrahydrofuran containing 50 ml of water was added 31.1 g (97.8 mmole) of mercuric acetate. The yellow suspension which formed was stirred for 10 minutes and then the entire mixture was poured into a solution containing 200 g of potassium iodide in 2 l of water. Upon shaking, the yellow color disappeared and the mixture was extracted with benzene (3×500 ml). The combined benzene extracts were washed with potassium iodide solution and brine and dried over sodium sulfate. Concentration yielded 3.7 g of material which crystallized on standing in an ice box.

(c) A Wittig reagent was prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide (dried over calcium hydride) by adding a solution of sodium methylsulfinylmethide (prepared by heating 300 mg of sodium hydride in 60 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide at 75° until hydrogen evolution stops) dropwise to a solution of 5.32 g (12 mmole) of 4-carboxybutyl triphenylphosphonium bromide in 100 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide. After the first orange color lasting more than 10 seconds formed, an equivalent amount of base was added to form the ylide. To this deep orange solution was added a solution of the product of part (b) in 20 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide and the resulting mixture stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes. The reaction was quenched by addition of 24 mmole of acetic acid and the mixture poured into brine (300 ml) and extracted with ether (3×200 ml). Concentration of these extracts gave an oil which was stirred with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution until crystalline triphenylphosphine oxide formed in the mixture. This mixture was washed with benzene and acidified with 10% hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer was saturated with salt and extracted with ether which on drying (sodium sulfate) and concentration gave 2.43 g of crude product. The mixture was stirred 24 hours with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide and reisolated by acidification and ether extraction. The product was purified on 500 g of silica gel with 50/50 ethyl acetate-hexane as the eluant which gave 600 mg of acid which crystallized on standing. This was recrystallized twice from ethyl acetatecyclohexane to yield 320 mg of [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid.

B. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(p-Toluenesulfonyloxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

To a solution of 300 mg (1.12 mmol) of alcohol ester from Part A in 4 ml of dry pyridine was added 427 mg (2.24 mmol) of tosyl chloride. The mixture was stirred at room temperature under an argon atmosphere for 10 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with 300 ml of ether, washed with 1N aqueous HCl solution (3×100 ml), and 0.5N aqueous NaOH solution (3×100 ml). The ether layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. Purification was effected by flash chromatography on 30 g of silica gel 60 using 50% hexane in ether as eluant to give 450 mg of title compound (95%). TLC:silica gel, 4% CH₃ OH in CH₂ Cl₂, Rf=0.80, iodine.

C. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

To a solution of 88 mg (0.78 mmol) of potassium t-butoxide in 5 ml of dry THF under argon was added 328 mg (2.13 mmol) of 2-phenoxyethanethiol (prepared from 2-phenoxyethanol by the method of Volante; Tetrahedron Letters, 1981, 22, 3119). To this mixture was added a solution of 300 mg (0.71 mmol) of Part B tosylate in 6 ml of dry THF. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 hours and 30 minutes. The cooled reaction mixture was diluted with 250 ml of ether and poured into 100 ml of saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with ether (2×100 ml). The combined ether extracts (450 ml) were washed with 0.5N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (2×100 ml) and brine (100 ml). The ether extracts were dried over anhydrous MgSO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give an oily product. Purification was effected by flash chromatography on 25 g of silica gel 60 using petroleum ether:ether (2:1) as eluant to give 240 mg of title ester as an oil (84%). TLC:silica gel, petroleum ether:ether (2:1), Rf=0.65, iodine.

EXAMPLE 2 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

To a stirred solution of 240 mg (0.59 mmol) of Example 1 methyl ester in 29.0 ml of freshly distilled THF and 4.47 ml of H₂ O under argon was added 5.59 ml of 1N aqueous lithium hydroxide solution. This mixture was purged with argon vigorously for 20 minutes and stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was acidified to pH 5 by addition of 1N aqueous HCl solution and poured into 40 ml of saturated NaCl solution. The resulting solution was saturated with solid NaCl and extracted with EtOAc (4×40 ml). The combined EtOAc extracts were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give 230 mg of crude acid. Purification was effected by flash chromatography on 22.6 g of silica gel 60 using 2% CH₃ OH in CH₂ Cl₂ as eluant to give title product (208 mg, 90%) as an oil. TLC:silica gel, 6% CH₃ OH/CH₂ Cl₂, Rf=0.48, iodine.

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₂ H₃₀ O₄ S: C, 67.66; H, 7.74; S, 8.21. Found: C, 67.38; H, 7.80; S, 8.28.

EXAMPLE 3 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid, methyl ester A. (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid, methyl ester

To 800 mg (3.0 mmole) of the [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester as prepared in Example 1, dissolved in 120 ml of ethyl acetate was added, under an argon atmosphere, 160 mg of 5% Pd on carbon. The argon atmosphere was exchanged for a slight positive pressure of hydrogen and the reaction was stirred for 8 hours at 25°, filtered through a celite plug and evaporated to provide 730 mg (90%) of the title A compound.

B. (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[[3-[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid, methyl ester

Following the procedure of Example 1 except substituting the Part A alcohol-ester for the Example IA alcohol ester, the title product is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[[(2-Phenxoyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 2 except substituting the Example 3 methyl ester for the Example 1 methyl ester, the title acid is obtained.

EXAMPLE 5 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]-methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester A. [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-(p-Toluenesulfonyloxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

To a solution of 510 mg (1.9 mmol) of [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester (prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,054) in 10 ml of dry pyridine under argon at 0° C. was added a solution of 730 mg (3.8 mmol) of of tosyl chloride in 10 ml of dry CH₂ Cl₂. This mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 19 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into 70 ml of a mixture of ice and water and stirred for 40 minutes. The aqueous layer was extracted with ether (3×140 ml). The combined ether extracts were washed with 1N aqueous HCl solution (2×50 ml), saturated NaHCO₃ solution (2×50 ml) and brine (1×100 ml). The ether layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give an oily product. This was chromatographed on 66 g of silica gel 60 using 1:1 hexane-ether as eluant to give 650 mg (81%) of desired title tosylate as an oil.

TLC: silica gel, hexane-ether 1:1, Rf=0.25, iodine.

Analysis: Calculated for C₂₂ H₃₀ O₆ S: C, 62.53; H, 7.16; S, 7.59. Found: C, 62.12, H, 7.23; S, 7.41.

B. [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

Following the procedure of Example 1 except substituting the Part A tosylate for the Example 1B tosylate, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 6 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 2 except substituting the Example 5 methyl ester for the Example 1 methyl ester, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 7 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(3-Methoxypropyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1 and 2 except substituting 3-methoxypropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 8 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(4-Benzyloxybutyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1 and 2 except substituting 4-benzyloxybutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 9 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[[(2-Cyclohexyloxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 3 and 4 except substituting 2-cyclohexyloxyethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 10 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(Cyclopentylmethoxymethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester A. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[[3-(Acetylthiomethy1)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

To a stirred solution of 422 mg (1.0 mmole) of Example 1 part B tosylate in 10 ml of THF and 5 ml of DMSO is added 500 mg (4.38 mmol) of potassium thioacetate. The dark-colored solution is then heated to reflux for 90 minutes. The cooled reaction mixture is partitioned between 75 ml each of ether and half-saturated NaHCO₃. The aqueous layer is extracted with 75 ml of ether. The combined ether extracts are washed with 50 ml H₂ O, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title ester.

B. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β[-7-[[3-(Mercaptomethyl)]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

To a solution of 314 mg (1 mmol) of the above ester in 10 ml of dry MeOH is added a solution of 0.2 equivalent of Mg(OMe)₂ in MeOH (prepared from Mg metal and MeOH). This solution is stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The solution is concentrated in vacuo to one-third volume and then is partitioned between 50 ml ether and 50 ml brine. The aqueous layer is extracted with 50 ml ether. To the combined ether extracts is added a small amount of hydroquinone, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to give the title ester.

C. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(Cyclopentylmethoxymethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

To a stirred solution of 112 mg (1 mmol) of potassium t-butoxide in 10 ml of dry THF under Ar is added a solution of 0.9 mmol of crude mercaptan from above in 5 ml of THF. To this stirred mixture is added 3 mmol of chloromethyl cyclopentylmethylether and then the mixture is heated to reflux for 6 hours. The cooled reaction mixture is partitioned between 50 ml each of saturated NaHCO₃ and ether. The aqueous layer is extracted with 50 ml of ether. The combined ether layers are dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude product. Purification is effected by silica gel chromatography using 4:1 hexane:ether as eluant to provide the title ester.

D. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(Cyclopentylmethoxymethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 2 except substituting the above part C ester for the Example 1 methyl ester, the title acid is obtained.

EXAMPLE 11 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(3-Octyloxypropyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1 and 2 except substituting 3-octyloxypropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 12 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[(2-Phenylthioethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 3 and 4 except substituting 2-phenylthioethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 13 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(3-Ethylthiopropyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1 and 2 except substituting 3-ethylthiopropyl mercaptan for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 14 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[(4-Benzylthiobutyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 5 and 6 except substituting 4-benzylthiobutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title product is obtained.

EXAMPLE 15 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Cyclohexylthioethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 5 and 6 except substituting 2-cyclohexylthioethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 16 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[[(4-Cyclopropylthiobutyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 3 and 4 except substituting 4-cyclopropylthiobutyl mercaptan for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 17 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-Cyclohexylaminoethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1 and 2 except substituting 2-cyclohexylaminoethyl mercaptan for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title product is obtained.

EXAMPLE 18 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[(3-Ethylaminopropyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 5 and 6 except substituting 3-ethylaminopropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title product is obtained.

EXAMPLE 19 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[(4-Phenylaminobutyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 3 and 4 except substituting 4-phenylaminobutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title product is obtained.

EXAMPLE 20 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid A. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(2-Oxo)ethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

Into a dry 100 ml round bottom 3-necked flask containing a stir bar was added dried 12.9 g (37.7 mmoles) methoxymethyltriphenylphosphonium chloride ((C₆ H₅)₃ P⁺ --CH₂ OCH₃ Cl⁻) and 235 ml distilled toluene (stored over molecular sieves). The resulting suspension was stirred in an ice-bath, under argon, until cold and than a 1.55 M solution of 18.3 ml (28.3 mmol) of potassium t-amylate in toluene was added dropwise. A bright red solution formed which was stirred at 0° C. for an additional 35 minutes. Thereafter, a solution of 4.97 g (18.8 mmol) [1β,2α(5Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-formyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester in 60 ml toluene was added by means of a dropping funnel over a 35 minute period with the ice-bath still in place. The reaction was then quenched by addition of 2.3 g (39 mmol) acetic acid in 5 ml ether. The reaction mixture immediately turned pale yellow and was immediately poured into 200 ml satured NH₄ Cl, and extracted with ether (4×200 ml). The combined ether phases were washed with NaCl, saturated solution, and dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to yield a yellow oil in a white crystalline solid (phosphine oxide). The white solid was triturated with EtOAc and the mother liquor was purified by chromatography on an LPS-1 silica column. The fractions obtained were (A) [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(2-oxo)ethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester, (B) [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(2-methoxy)ethendiyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester, and (C) [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]7-[3-(2,2-dimethoxy)ethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester.

Compounds (B) and (C) are each treated with trifluoroacetic acid to convert each to compound (A).

B. 1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

The aldehyde (1.4 g, 5 mmol) from part A in methanol (50 ml) is treated with NaBH₄ (0.19 g, 5 mmol) in an argon atmosphere at 0° C. After stirring at 0° for 1 hour, the reaction is quenched by addition of 2N HCl (to pH 2). The methanol is removed in vacuo and the reaction mixture is taken up in ether. The ether solution is washed with saturated KHCO₃, saturated NaCl and dried (MgSO₄) The ether is evaporated to yield the title B compound.

C. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1 and 2 except substituting the above part B alcohol for the alcohol used in Example 1 Part B, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 21 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 20 except substituting [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-formyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester for [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-formyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 22 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[[2-(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 21 except substituting (1β,2α,3α,4α)-7-[3-formyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid, methyl ester for [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-formyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 23 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(4-Benzylthiobutyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 20 except substituting 4-benzylthiobutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 24 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(2-Cyclohexylthioethyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 21 except substituting 2-cyclohexylthioethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 25 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[[2-(3-Pentylthiopropyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 22 except substituting 3-pentylthiopropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 26 1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(2-Benzyloxyethyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 20 except substituting 2-benzyloxyethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 27 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(3-Hexyloxypropyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 21 except substituting 3-hexyloxypropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 28 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(4-Cyclopentyloxybutyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 20 except substituting 4-cyclopentyloxybutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 29 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(3-Phenylthiopropyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 20 except substituting 3-phenylthiopropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 30 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(2-Benzylaminoethyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 20 except substituting 2-benzylaminoethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 31 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(3-Phenylaminopropyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 21 except substituting 3-phenylaminopropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 32 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(4-Cyclopentylaminobutyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 20 except substituting 4-cyclopentylaminobutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 33 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-(2-Hexylaminoethyl)thio]ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 20 except substituting 2-hexylaminoethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 34 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[4-(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]butyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid A. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(3-Oxo)propyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

Following the procedure of Example 20 Part A except substituting [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(2-oxo)ethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester for [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-formyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester, the title A compound is obtained.

B. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(4-Oxo)butyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

Following the procedure of Example 20 Part A except substituting the aldehyde from Part A above for [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-formyl-7-oxabicyclo[ 2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester, the title B compound is obtained.

C. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(4-Hydroxybutyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

Following the procedure of Example 20 Part B except substituting the title B aldehyde for [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(2-oxo)ethyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester, the title C alcohol is obtained.

D. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[4-(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]butyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1 and 2 except substituting the above Part C alcohol for the alcohol used in Example 1, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 35 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[4-(3-Phenylthiopropyl)thio]butyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 34 except substituting 3-phenylthiopropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 36 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[4-(4-Octyloxybutyl)thio]butyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 34 except substituting 4-octyloxybutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 37 (1β,2α,3α,4β)-7-[3-[[4-(Benzylaminomethyl)thio]butyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptanoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 3A, and 10 except substituting chloromethyl benzyl amine for chloromethyl cyclopentylmethyl ether, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 38 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[4-(3-Cyclohexyloxypropyl)thio]butyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 34 except substituting 3-cyclohexyloxypropylthiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 39 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[4-(2-Phenylaminoethyl)thio]butyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 34 except substituting 2-phenylaminoethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 40 [1β,2α(Z),3α, 4β]-7-[3-[[4-(3-Propylthiopropyl)thio]butyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 34 except substituting 3-propylthiopropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLES 41, 42 and 43 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester (fast moving isomer) [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester (slow moving isomer) [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

To a solution of 671 mg (1.72 mmol) of [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(2-phenoxyethylthio]methyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester (prepared as described in Example 1) in 6.78 ml of methanol at 0° C. is added dropwise over 4 minutes 8.37 ml of 0.5M aqueous sodium periodate solution. Tetrahydrofuran (2 ml) is then added and the resulting reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 15 hours. A white precipitate is removed by filtration and washed with ether (3×50 ml). The filtrate is washed with 60 ml of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Concentration in vacuo affords an oily crude product. This is chromatographed on silica gel 60 using 0.5-1.0% CH₃ OH in CH₂ Cl₂ as eluent. This gives FMI (fast moving isomer) sulfoxide (Example 41), SMI (slow moving isomer) sulfoxide (Example 42) and sulfone (Example 43).

EXAMPLE 44 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

To a stirred solution of 166 mg (0.41 mmol) of [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-phenoxyethyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester (Example 43) in 20.3 ml of THF and 3.09 ml of H₂ O under argon is added 3.90 ml of 1N aqueous lithium hydroxide solution. This mixture is purged with argon vigorously for 10 minutes and stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. The reaction mixture is acidified to pH 4 by addition of 1N aqueous HCl solution and poured into 30 ml of saturated NaCl solution. The resulting solution is saturated with solid NaCl and extracted with EtOAc (4×50 ml). The combined EtOAc extracts are dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude acid. Purification is effected by flash chromatography on silica gel 60 using 3% CH₃ OH in CH₂ Cl₂ as eluant. This affords the title acid.

EXAMPLE 45 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (fast moving isomer)

To a stirred solution of 223 mg (0.55 mmol) of [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-phenoxyethyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester (fast moving isomer) prepared in Example 41 in 27.0 ml of THF and 4.11 ml of H₂ O under argon is added 5.19 ml of 1N aqueous lithium hydroxide solution. This mixture is purged with argon vigorously for 10 minutes and stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. The reaction mixture is acidified to pH 4 by addition of 1N aqueous HCl solution and poured into 50 ml of saturated NaCl solution. The resulting solution is saturated with solid NaCl and extracted with EtOAc (4×100 ml). The combined EtOAc extracts are dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give crude acid. Purification is effected by flash chromatography on silica gel 60 using 3% CH₃ OH in CH.sub. 2 Cl₂ as eluant to give the title acid.

EXAMPLE 46 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (slow moving isomer)

To a stirred solution of 223 mg (0.55 mmol) of [1β,2α(5Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[2-phenoxyethyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid, methyl ester (slow moving isomer) prepared as described in Example 42 in 18.2 ml of THF and 2.77 ml of H₂ O under argon is added 3.50 ml of 1N aqueous lithium hydroxide solution. This mixture is purged with argon vigorously for 15 minutes and stirred at room temperature for 4 hours and 40 minutes. The reaction mixture is acidified to pH 4 by addition of 1N aqueous HCl solution and poured into 30 ml of saturated NaCl solution. The resulting solution is saturated with solid NaCl and extracted with EtOAc (3×70 ml). The combined EtOAc extracts are dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give the title crude acid. Purification is effected by flash chromatography on silica gel 60 using 4% CH₃ OH in CH₂ Cl₂ as eluant to give title acid.

EXAMPLE 47 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(3-Propylsulfinylpropyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1, 41 and 45 except substituting 3-propylthiopropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 48 1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(4-Benzylsulfinylbutyl))sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1, 41 and 45 except substituting 4-benzylthiobutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 49 [1β, 2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Benzylaminoethyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 5, 41 and 45 except substituting 2-benzylaminoethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 50 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4α]-7-[3-[[(3-Ethyloxypropyl)sulfinyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 5, 41 and 45 except substituting 3-ethyloxypropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 51 [1β,2α(Z),3β,4β]-7-[3-[[(3-Benzylsulfonylpropyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 5, 41 and 44 except substituting 3-benzylthiopropanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 52 [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Cyclohexylsulfonylethyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1, 41 and 44 except substituting 2-cyclohexylthioethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 53 1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(4-Phenylsulfonylbutyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1, 41 and 44 except substituting 4-phenylthiobutanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 54 [b 1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Octylaminoethyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Examples 1, 41 and 44 except substituting 2-octylaminoethanethiol for 2-phenoxyethanethiol, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLES 55 and 56 [1β,2α(6Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-6-heptenoic acid [1β,2β(6Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-6-heptenoic acid A. [1β,2α(6Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptenoic acid B. [1β,2β(6Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]heptenoic acid

A slurry of carboxypentyl triphenylphosphonium bromide in THF is cooled in an ice bath and treated dropwise with 1.4M KOt-amylate in toluene. After completion of this addition, the reaction mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and is stirred for 6 hours. To this stirred solution is then added a solution of compound prepared as described in Example 1, Part A(b) in THF dropwise over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture is then stirred overnight (15 hours). The mixture is cooled in an ice bath and quenched with HOAc. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the resulting residue is dissolved in saturated NaCl solution. This is extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layers are then extracted with saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The aqueous extracts are acidified to pH˜3.5 by addition of aqueous HCl solution, and then are extracted with several portions of chloroform. The combined chloroform extracts are concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude acid is esterified with excess ethereal diazomethane at 0° C. and then is purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the title esters.

C. [1β,2α(6Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-yl]-6-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 1 except substituting the title A and B acids in the form of their methyl esters (prepared by reacting the acids with diazomethane) for the Example 1 part A ester, the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLE 57 [1β,2α(5Z),3α,4β]-8-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-octenoic acid A. (1β,2α,3α,4β)-3-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]propionaldehyde

A slurry of methoxymethyltriphenylphosphonium chloride (1.09 kg, 3.18 mol) in Burdick and Jackson sieve-dried tetrahydrofuran (3 liters) was chilled to 0° C. and treated dropwise with 1.4M potassium t-amylate in toluene (1910 ml, 2.67 mol) over 20 minutes. The resultant dark red solution was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was then treated slowly over 5 minutes with solid hemiacetal (B in reaction sequence C) prepared as described in Example 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,054 and Example 1 Part A(b) (200 g, 1.28 mol). The temperature gradually rose to 23° C. The mixture was stirred vigorously at room temperature for 90 minutes. The reaction mixture was then chilled to 0° C. and treated slowly with acetaldehyde (124 ml, 2.2 mol) over 10 minutes. The mixture was diluted with water (2500 ml) and treated with 10% hydrochloric acid to pH 7. The mixture was then extracted with ether (7×2 liters). The combined ether extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrates concentrated in vacuo. The resultant mixture was treated with isopropyl ether (4 liters) and stirred overnight. The mixture was chilled to -10° C. for 90 minutes then filtered. The solids were washed thoroughly with isopropyl ether. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to an oily residue (460 g). This oily residue was treated with water (4000 ml) and stirred vigorously for 2 hours. The aqueous layer was decanted and the oily residue treated two additional times with water (2×1 liter). After the third wash, the residue solidified and was filtered. The combined aqueous triturates were concentrated in vacuo to 3.5 liters. The cloudy mixture was filtered through a bed of Celite. The filtrate was concentrated again to a volume of 2.3 liters. The cloudy solution was chilled in an ice bath and treated slowly with concentrated hydrochloric acid (683 ml). The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. After this time the solution was neutralized by the slow addition of solid sodium bicarbonate (720 g). The mixture was filtered through a bed of Celite then extracted with hexane (4×2 liters) then ethyl acetate (10×2 liters). The combined ethyl acetate extracts were dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The solid residue was triturated with hexane (1 liter), filtered, and dried in vacuo to yield 220 g (100%) of desired compound (hemiacetal C in reaction sequence E), m.p. 104°-105° C., [α]_(D) =+27° c=1 MeOH.

TLC: Silica gel; EtOAc; R_(f) =0.3; Ce(SO₄)₂.

The above Wittig procedure was repeated on the hemiacetal C used in place of hemiacetal B to form the title aldehyde.

B. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β]-8-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-octenoic acid, methyl ester

Following the procedure of Example 1 Part A except substituting the above title A aldehyde for the Example 1 Part A(b) compound, the title compound is obtained.

C. [1β,2α(Z),3α,4β-8-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-octenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 1 except substituting the title B ester for the Example 1 Part A acid in the form of its methyl ester (prepared by reacting the acid with diazomethane), the title compound is obtained.

EXAMPLES 58 and 59 [1β,2α(2E),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-2-heptenoic acid [1β,2α(2Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-2-heptenoic acid A. [1β,2α, 3α,4β]-5-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]pentanal

Following the procedure of Example 57 Part A, except substituting (1β,2α,3α,4β)-3-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]propionaldehyde for the hemiacetal B (see reaction sequence C or E), (1β,2α,3α,4β)-4-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]butanal is obtained. Then by repeating the procedure of Example 57 Part A on (1β,2α,3α,4β)-4-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]butanal, the title A aldehyde is produced.

B. [1β,2α(2E),3α,4β]-7-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-2-heptenoic acid, methyl ester C. [1β,2α(2Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-(Hydroxymethyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-2-heptenoic acid, methyl ester

To a stirred solution of the title A aldehyde in MeOH is added carbomethoxymethylene triphenylphosphorane. The resulting solution is stirred under argon at room temperature for 24 hours. The solvent is then removed in vacuo and the resultant viscous oil is triturated with ether. The precipitated triphenylphosphine oxide is removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to afford a mixture of the (E) and (Z) esters. Purification is affected by chromatography to afford the pure title esters.

D. [1β,2α(2E),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-yl]-2-heptenoic acid E. [1β,2α(2Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-Phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-yl]-2-heptenoic acid

Following the procedure of Example 1 except substituting the title B and C esters for the Example 1 Part A acid in the form of its methyl ester (prepared by reacting the acid with diazomethane), the title compounds are obtained.

EXAMPLES 60 to 74

Following the procedure outlined in the specification and described in the above working Examples, the following compounds may be prepared.

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR13##                                                                     Ex.                                                                            No.   p     A        m   n   n'  q   X    R.sup.1                              ______________________________________                                         60.   2     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        0   1   2   1   SO.sub.2                                                                             ##STR14##                           61.   3     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        2   2   2   2   O                                                                                    ##STR15##                           62.   4     CHCH     4   3   2   3   NH                                                                                   ##STR16##                           63.   2     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        6   4   1   4   NH   C.sub.9 H.sub.19                     64.   3     CHCH     8   4   1   1   SO   C.sub.7 H.sub.15                     65.   4     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        0   3   2   2   O    C.sub.2 H.sub.5                      66.   1     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        1   2   2   3   SO.sub.2                                                                            CH.sub.3                             67.   0     CHCH     3   1   0   4   O                                                                                    ##STR17##                           68.   2     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        5   1   0   3   NH                                                                                   ##STR18##                           69.   0     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        7   2   2   2   SO.sub.2                                                                            C.sub.6 H.sub.5                      70.   3     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        0   3   2   1   SO.sub.2                                                                             ##STR19##                           71.   4     CHCH     0   4   1   2   O                                                                                    ##STR20##                           72.   0     CHCH     2   3   2   4   SO.sub.2                                                                             ##STR21##                           73.   2     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        3   2   2   3   O                                                                                    ##STR22##                           74.   4     (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                                        4   1   2   2   NH   CH.sub.3                             ______________________________________                                     

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound having the structural formula ##STR23## and including all stereoisomers thereof, wherein A is --CH═CH-- or --(CH₂)₂ --;p is 0 to 4; m is 0 to 8; n is 1 to 4; n' is 0, 1 or 2; q is 1 to 4; R is hydrogen, lower alkyl or alkali metal; X is S, O, or NH; and R¹ is lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl, wherein the term lower alkyl or alkyl by itself or as part of another group contains 1 to 12 carbons and is unsubstituted or substituted with halo, trifluoromethyl, alkoxy, haloaryl, cycloalkyl or alkylcycloalkyl; the term aryl by itself or as part of another group contains 6 to 10 carbons and is unsubstituted or substituted with lower alkyl, halogen or lower alkoxy; the term cycloalkyl by itself or as part of another group contains 3 to 12 carbons and is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 halogens, 1 or 2 lower alkyl groups and/or 1 or 2 lower alkoxy groups; and (CH₂)_(p), (CH₂)_(m), (CH₂)_(n) and (CH₂)_(q) can be substituted by one or more alkyl groups.
 2. The compound as defined in claim 1 wherein A is --CH═CH--.
 3. The compound as defined in claim 1 wherein R is H.
 4. The compound as defined in claim 1 wherein n' is
 0. 5. The compound as defined in claim 1 wherein n' is
 1. 6. The compound as defined in claim 1 wherein n' is
 2. 7. The compound as defined in claim 1 wherein A is --CH═CH--, p is 1, m is 2 to 4, n is 1 or 2, n' is 0, q is 1 or 2; X is 0 and R¹ is lower alkyl or cycloalkyl.
 8. The compound as defined in claim 1 wherein A is --CH═CH--, m is 3, n is 1, n' is 0, q is 2, X is 0, R is H or CH₃, and R¹ is lower alkyl.
 9. The compound as defined in claim 1 having the name [1β, 2α(Z),3α,4β]-7-[3-[[(2-phenoxyethyl)thio]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid or the methyl ester thereof including all stereoisomers thereof.
 10. A method of inhibiting arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation and bronchoconstriction, which comprises administering to the circulatory system of a mammalian host an effective amount of a compound as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 11. The method as defined in claim 10 wherein said compound is administered in an amount within the range of from about 1 to about 100 mg/kg.
 12. A composition for inhibiting arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation and bronchoconstriction comprising an effective amount of a compound as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.
 13. A method of inhibiting platelet aggregation which comprises administering to a mammalian host an effective amount of a compound as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 14. A method of inhibiting bronchoconstriction associated with asthma, which comprises administering to a mammalian host an effective amount of a compound as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 15. A method for inhibiting arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation and bronchoconstriction by inhibiting production of thromboxane A₂ by blocking the action of thromboxane synthetase, which comprises administering to a mammalian host an effective amount of a compound as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 16. A method for treating inflammation in a mammalian species in need of such treatment, which comprises administering to a mammalian host an effective amount of a compound as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 17. A method of relieving pain in a mammalian species which comprises administering to said mammalian species a composition containing an analgesically effective amount of a compound as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 